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27 August 2020
The new normal comprises being separated from your loved ones, a partial loss of freedom and uncertainty about the future, so feeling anxious or stressed is understandable. However, if you experience these feelings for several days or weeks, it may be time to seek help. Early intervention from a professional could lower your risk of developing a serious condition.
According to research published in The Lancet medical journal, being in situations like these where you are isolated from others for long periods could result in mental health issues such as stress disorders and depression.
If you’re working remotely or are consistently consuming COVID-19 updates, you should take precaution as these activities could result in chronic stress and work-from-home burnout. This may be due to the influx of negative news and not having clear boundaries between your personal and professional life while working from home.
Chronic stress puts a strain on your physical and mental health and, in severe cases, could increase your risk of certain illnesses such as hypertension and insomnia. Over time, chronic stress could result in burnout, which is mental and physical exhaustion caused by prolonged stress.
Common symptoms include:
Depression is a mental health disorder categorised by persistent feelings of sadness, along with a loss of interest in daily activities, which significantly affect your ability to function in daily life. This usually lasts for several days or weeks.
If you experience any symptoms of depression or chronic stress for two weeks or more, or aren’t feeling like your usual self, consider seeking professional help. You may not be able to visit your GP if you’re under lockdown, but you can call them and ask for their advice. They may also be able to refer you to a mental health expert such as a psychologist.
Along with your doctor and a mental health expert, you can help yourself further by reaching out to:
While you may currently be feeling anxious, it’s important to remind yourself that this situation is temporary.
Healthcare workers and researchers are hard at work searching for a vaccine, so take comfort in the meantime by doing things that provide you with structure, control and safety. These include limiting the amount of COVID-19 news you’re consuming, following hygiene best practices, keeping a safe distance from others and staying connected with your loved ones.
This article is published courtesy of CareWays.